No fewer than 46 awaiting-trial inmates at the Medium Security Correctional Centre in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, are reportedly unable to attend court proceedings because the facility has no functional vehicles to convey them to court.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The Officer-in-Charge of the centre, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Samuel Bassey, disclosed the situation during a courtesy visit by members of the Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals Forum.
According to Bassey, some of the inmates were brought to the facility from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area as far back as 2023 but have yet to appear in court because of the persistent transportation problem.
He said the lack of operational vehicles had forced correctional authorities to occasionally hire commercial minibuses from local motor parks to transport inmates to court, a practice he described as risky.
“Sometimes we have to go to the local park to hire mini buses that will convey inmates to the court. The decision is very risky as you must ensure that the person you engage is trustworthy,” he said.
Bassey questioned how the justice system could function effectively when awaiting-trial inmates could not be produced before the courts handling their cases.
“Our jurisdiction covers nine local government areas with 18 courts. It is difficult to take the inmates to court without having operational vehicles. None of our vehicles are functional. Even the one at the workshop cannot be fixed,” he said.
“We really need support to discharge our duties effectively.”
He disclosed that the centre had written several letters to the relevant authorities requesting operational vehicles but had not received a response.
The correctional officer appealed to federal and state governments, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to intervene, describing the situation as “very worrisome” for both inmates and correctional personnel.
Bassey said the last operational vehicle donated to the centre was provided during the administration of former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, who is now President of the Senate.
Beyond the transportation crisis, he also raised concerns over deteriorating infrastructure at the facility.
According to him, heavy rainfall in the southern part of the country had damaged several roofs within the correctional centre, leaving inmates exposed to harsh weather conditions.
“Concerning the state of infrastructure, you can see that the heavy rains in the southern part of the country have caused several roofs in the facility to wear out and exposed inmates to harsh weather conditions. There is nothing we can do on our own to remedy the situation,” Bassey said.
He, however, said the Federal Government was adequately feeding inmates, while trained professionals at the facility’s clinic were providing medical services.
The visiting media professionals also proposed interventions aimed at supporting inmates beyond the immediate transportation problem.
Chairman of the Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals Forum, Enobong Nsimah, sought collaboration with the correctional centre to provide legal assistance to inmates who do not have legal representation.
He also proposed skills-acquisition programmes to support the reformation and reintegration of inmates into society.
Members of the forum were subsequently taken around the dilapidated residential quarters occupied by correctional officers.
They called on the relevant authorities to provide better working conditions and decent accommodation for officers, arguing that improved welfare would enable personnel to perform their duties more effectively.
The disclosure raises concerns over access to justice for awaiting-trial inmates, particularly those whose cases cannot progress because they are not being produced before the courts.
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
_______________________________________________________________________
